Oscar Tshiebwe's future with Indiana Pacers up in the air

The Indiana Pacers have filled its three two-way contract spots for the upcoming 2024-25 season — none of them went to Oscar Tshiebwe.

On Thursday afternoon, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that the Pacers have inked a two-way deal with Enrique Freeman, who was the franchise’s No. 50 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Freeman joins Quenton Jackson and Tristen Newton as Indiana’s trio of two-way contracts. With all three spots filled, that likely means Tshiebwe will be looking for a new NBA home very soon.

The Pacers had previously extended a two-way qualifying offer to Tshiebwe in June, which made him a restricted free agent. He has been free to sign that deal at any point (Tshiebwe did switch agencies this offseason), but Freeman locked it up in the meantime. The Pacers have also filled all 15 full-time roster spots.

There is a world where Tshiebwe still finds his way back in Indianapolis, but in all likelihood, the qualifying offer will be pulled and he’ll be able to sign with any team.

The Pacers did not extend another two-way contract to Oscar Tshiebwe, the 2023-24 G League Rookie of the Year.

Tshiebwe averaged 16.4 points and 16.1 rebounds per game for the Indiana Mad Ants.

The former Kentucky big man becomes an intriguing two-way option for other teams. pic.twitter.com/Auc78UrkDw

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) August 8, 2024

If that ends up being the case, where could Tshiebwe land next? Teams such as the Nets, Hornets, Bulls, Cavaliers, Pistons, Clippers, Knicks, Magic, Trail Blazers, and Wizards all have open two-way spots. There will surely be some sort of market for the reigning G League Rookie of the Year.

Tshiebwe averaged 16.4 points and 16.1 rebounds per game last season for the Indiana Mad Ants, but poor defense and lack of outside shooting continue to limit his abilities. He appeared in just eight NBA games as a rookie for the Pacers. His Summer League performance in July was solid, but nothing spectacular.

Even still, Tshiebwe’s natural rebounding skills are tough to come by. Will it be enough to land an NBA contract for 2024-25?

Big O making multiples stops in Lexington

While Tshiebwe navigates through his future in basketball, he’ll prepare for a return to Lexington later this month. He’ll actually make two stops in town, the first a meet-and-greet on Saturday, August 17 at the Paul Miller Ford Showroom (10am-12pm) and the second on Saturday, August 24 for a youth basketball camp at Sports Center in the Fayette Mall Plaza (9am-12pm).

For the meet and greet, fans are welcome to come take pictures and receive autographs from Tshiebwe. Everyone who shows up will be entered to win a basketball signed by new men’s basketball head coach Mark Pope. You’ll also be able to try a special, event-only meal called “Oscar’s Pizza Burger”. Now you have to go.

As for those interested in the youth camp, the cost of admission will run you $99. Boys and girls from grades 1-8 are invited to attend. Tshiebwe and other camp coaches will lead the camp, offering tips and insight all while teaching the fundamentals of basketball. Any child who participates will receive an autograph from Tshiebwe, a team photo with him, and a t-shirt. Click here to register.